Understanding the Disconnect in the Church

The Great Disconnect and why we need to reconnect with the Great Commission. As pastors of small churches, it’s easy to feel the weight of leading a congregation, managing limited resources, and caring for your people. But amid the daily demands of ministry, there is a foundational question that we must continually return to: Are we fulfilling the mission Jesus gave us? The answer, according to recent studies, might be more troubling than we realize.
A study on church engagement revealed a significant gap in the understanding and application of the Great Commission, the very mission Christ commanded us to undertake. Many Christians, perhaps even some in our own congregations, may not know what the Great Commission is or why it matters.


The Great Disconnect

It may shock you to know that two-thirds of Christians say they have never heard of the Great Commission. Of those who have heard it, only 26% of practicing Christians can identify and explain it correctly. This is a sobering reality. The command of Jesus to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:18-20) is central to our purpose as the Church. Yet, many believers are disconnected from this mission.

How has this happened? One of the root causes is biblical ignorance. In a culture that increasingly values personal experience over biblical truth, many Christians simply aren’t being taught—or don’t understand—the full scope of Jesus' mandate for His Church. As pastors, we carry the responsibility to ensure that our congregations are not only aware of the Great Commission but also see it as a command for every believer, not just a select few.

Another aspect of this disconnect is a misunderstanding of who missions are for. While 85% of pastors affirm that missions are a mandate for the whole Church, only 42% of practicing Christians believe this. This presents a challenge for us as leaders. If we aren’t teaching and modeling a heart for the nations, how can we expect our people to catch the vision?


Reconnecting to the Great Commission

To turn this tide, we must first assess how well our own congregation understands the Great Commission. Do they see themselves as part of God’s mission to reach the world? Here are a few ways you can begin to bridge this gap:

1. Preach the Great Commission: Dedicate a sermon series to unpacking what Jesus said in Matthew 28:18-20. Help your people understand that this command is for every Christian, no matter their age, background, or occupation.

2. Create Opportunities for Engagement: Once your congregation understands the importance of the Great Commission, give them practical ways to participate. Whether through local outreach, supporting global missionaries, or short-term mission trips, create tangible next steps for involvement.

3. Model a Missional Lifestyle: The best way to teach missions is to live it. As a pastor, you have the opportunity to inspire others by sharing your own heart for the lost, both locally and globally. Let your passion for missions be evident in your preaching, teaching, and everyday life.

4. Educate on the Biblical Mandate for All: Ensure that your congregation understands that the Great Commission is not optional. Use Scripture to show that missions are part of the very DNA of the Church (Acts 1:8, Romans 10:14-15). Help them see that God’s heart is for all nations and that we are called to be part of that mission.


Pastors, we have an incredible responsibility to lead our congregations in fulfilling the mission Jesus left us. The Great Disconnect that exists in many churches today does not have to define our ministries. By reconnecting our people to the biblical mandate of the Great Commission, we can reignite a passion for reaching the lost—both in our communities and around the world.
Let’s start by asking ourselves: How well does my congregation understand the Great Commission? And more importantly, What can we do to ensure we are living it out together?
The world is waiting for the Church to rise up and fulfill its calling. Will we lead our people to embrace this mission with open hearts and ready hands?



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